The powers and duties of the Commission are defined in Special Act #469 of 1951, which defines the planning responsibilities, including the task of preparing a long-range plan for future development and recommendations for the most desirable use of the land within the Town. Chapter 124 of the Connecticut General Statutes establishes the zoning standards throughout the Town and requires preparation of a zoning map and regulations reflecting these standards.

The Town Charter authorizes the Commission to regulate and review municipal improvement projects and subdivisions of land.

Responsibilities of the Planning and Zoning Commission include the review of:

Site plans

Subdivisions (2 or more lots)

Re-subdivisions

Rezoning applications

Coastal site plan applications

Accessory apartment applications

Sign applications

Sedimentation & erosion control plans

Municipal improvement requests

Zoning regulation amendments

The P&Z Commission also coordinates with

The Architectural Review Committee for all exterior alterations to commercial and multi-family projects and applications.

The Historic District Commission for all Historic Overlay Zone applications and redesign of and alteration to historic structures, scenic road ordinances, subdivisions/site plans in local historic districts

The Conservation Director on the review of Sediment and Erosion Control and Tree Protection plans.

Planning & Zoning also

Assigns all street numbers in town and coordinates with the Post Office and emergency services.